We are halfway through the chronic pain and fatigue theme, and we are very excited to announce that on Tuesday 6th August we will be hosting a Question and Answer session. This session will be led by Dr Charles Shepherd.
If you have any questions about chronic fatigue and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) then be sure to leave them below!
My name is Dr Charles Shepherd and I’m Medical Adviser to the ME Association (MEA).
The MEA is a medical charity that provides information and support to people who are experiencing chronic fatigue and are querying whether they may have M.E. (myalgic encephalopathy/encephalomyelitis), as well as to those where a diagnosis of M.E. has already been confirmed.
Chronic fatigue is a relatively common symptom of many disabilities and long-term illnesses, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, as well as A WIDE RANGE OF INFLAMMATORY, INFECTIVE and neurological conditions.
M.E., however, is a stand-alone diagnosis with other debilitating symptoms that are necessary for a diagnosis. More information on the symptoms and diagnosis of M.E. can be found on our website: https://www.meassociation.org.uk/about-what-is-mecfs/
Contact information
Why do I research M.E?
My longstanding clinical and research interest in M.E. follows personal experience. This was triggered by a nasty episode of chickenpox, which was caught from one of my patients. So, I have a very thorough understanding of all the problems that M.E. patients face in relation to diagnosis and management, and the many uncertainties that surround the disease.
I have a specific clinical interest in the assessment of people who present with chronic fatigue in primary care, especially in relation to making sure that people who have M.E. receive an early and accurate diagnosis.
I am happy to answer questions on all aspects of living with M.E. (i.e. management, education, employment, benefits, research) and how people with chronic fatigue should be assessed in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis for this very common symptom and how to then provide appropriate forms of management.
Leave your question in the comments below, and Dr Charles Shepherd will be live on the community on Tuesday 6th August at 10.30am to respond. See you then!
